Hawkstone Park Hotel, Shrewsbury

Advantages: Historical town, loads of little shops, cafes, bars, pubs, restaurants
Disadvantages: Hills, cobbles - accessibity problems

...'s grave in the graveyard of St Chad's Church. To really experience the Dickensian atmosphere you must visit Wyle Cop. Dickens not only stayed here, he also wrote about it. As he looked out of his window at The Lion Hotel - you can still stay here - he described the scene as follows; "looking all downhill and slantwise at the crookedest black and white houses, all of many shapes except straight shapes." Shrewsbury is full of black and white timber buildings and intriguing haunted alleys with curious names such as Grope Lane and Butcher Row. Visiting these winding streets and narrow alleys you will find one of the best collections of independent shops in the country. Wyle Cop alone boasts of 90 different shops, cafes, hotels and pubs, the majority of which are independently owned. Tanners Wine Merchants an award winning wine merchants... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Listed buiding. Magnificent views and walks.
Disadvantages: Expensive

...Earlier this year, my eldest daughter and her husband asked us if they could move back in with us for three to four months in-between houses. We agreed and he date for the move was set. Dave and I decided we would go away for a few days prior to the due date aware of just how much work would be involved in the move. We didn’t want to go too far and our main aim for the few days was that of relaxation. The Lighthouse in Llandudno had been recommended to us and we were signposted to the website, http://www.distinctlydifferent.co.uk/ddgift.htm. Unfortunately, The Lighthouse was fully booked for the time we wanted but listed on the site was The Citadel in Shrewsbury. Described as “a dower house in the form of a miniature castle”, The Citadel was located just outside Hawkstone Park (famous for its follies) and just half an hour’s drive... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: fabulous location & scenery
Disadvantages: public transprot other than height of shopping tmes

...Shrewsbury - my town of birth and home town for 32 years - is a fabulous place to come and visit , no matter what your age , tastes or interests are. With buildings and "scenery" ranging from the castle and dozens of timber framed tudor buildings through to wide open hills and hillocks just begging to be wandered over. Shopping , I am reliable informed by my wife , is excellent with a fantastic blend of national chain stores and small local boutiques and shops . This feeling carries on the eating places where coffee and meals can be enjoyed anywhere from small cafes embedded in medievil buildings right up to modern restaurants. Drinking holes vary widely and it is said that there are over 50 licensed establishments within the one square mile of the town centre heart. Parking probably lets my town down - but the park and ride systems... Read review

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